So basically you have a property that you are currently living in that you have a HELOC on, and the bank is going to force you to close the HELOC once you convert it to an investment property, and you want to retain access to the ability to take out funds whenever you want without doing a conventional refi - is that right?

Over the last 6 months we have been talking more and more about diversifying in real estate, and the safest and most obvious way for us to jump in is to access our equity through a refi.

I figure I'd want to keep that handy for when the time comes that something goes out...and it's easier to access.

It's sad that it seems so much more acceptable for apartment communities or management companies to be reviewed on sites like yelp.

@Janett McWilliams, I can say as a general rule that you will have better terms and more money to be accessed if you individually refi each property individually unless you have > 10 properties, usually >20. 

First off you have to identify what kind of investing are you looking to do (single families, apartment complexes, etc.). 

I found ours through our local landlord/apartment association.Dan Dietz

I also question the legitimacy of sites such as neighborhoodscout in their altruism as you are required to purchase a subscription for access to their information.

I'm still sorting out what my final goal is, but I'm leaning towards commercial level apartments.

I invest out of state in apartment buildings, but I highly suggest that you do not invest out of state as a new investor unless you're investing in a syndication or crowd fund  or you're able to dedicate time in the market if things go wrong.